Places to stay in Tuscany

January 11, 2013 7:21 PM

looking for recommendations for places to stay in Tuscany in August. Prefer a B&B. Planning to stay 3-4 days in Siena to day trip from there, but would like to spend a few days in the country side. Also looking for places to stay in Venice
posted by snztt99 to Travel & Transportation (6 answers total)

I stayed in Tenuta Santo Pietro this past summer and loved it. I would make it a yearly vacation destination if I could. Very tranquil grounds and set right between of Pienza and Montepulciano (each about 5 minutes away). Breakfast is included and you could pay for (delicious, but not cheap) dinner in their restaurant or go to one of the local towns to eat. My sister took a cooking class in the kitchens and the owner also gives personalized advice about local events, restaurants, and towns to visit based on your needs. He even drew us a map which showed a better way to get to the airport after we left.

I'm not sure if it applies to you, but we traveled with young children who loved swimming in the pool with the owner's young son and running free all around the grounds playing with the cat and the other visiting children. Pienza has a playground, some pizzerias, and some gelato shops right in the center of town and was a great place to spend the day with kids.

You could also try searching on agriturismo.net for other options. They allow you to filter by location and amenities.
posted by Nickel at 7:40 PM on January 11, 2013

A few years back my wife and I spent a couple days atAgriturismo Terrapille just outside of Pienza. We especially loved taking in the Tuscan countryside from the comfort of the pool.
posted by bajema at 8:13 PM on January 11, 2013

I was in Tuscany several months ago and had a lot of luck with AirBnB. You might also want to look into Umbria (the region next to Tuscany), as I found it to be much cheaper (lodging-wise).

If you're renting a car (and you should), your options are basically wide open.
posted by NYC-BB at 10:55 PM on January 11, 2013

We had a delightful stay here. It's close to Cortona and Arezzo, has a great pool and views right across the Valdichiana, and the family running it are charming. Rosalinda and Stefano both speak English, and are available to drive you on tours if you don't have your own car. Will do great meals for a reasonable price, or provide helpful advice for shopping if you prefer self-catering. Wide range of different-sized apartments to suit various family configurations. Wi-fi and satTV available. We were totally satisfied and very happy to recommend.
posted by aqsakal at 1:14 AM on January 12, 2013

PS to the above: I've just remembered they also have a Facebook page.
posted by aqsakal at 2:22 AM on January 12, 2013

Stayed here a few years back. It was incredible. Not a B&B, but my lord... the view.
posted by bifter at 6:12 AM on January 12, 2013